Rim Runner showcases Franklin State Forest’s West Rim and West Side trails: a big trail loop that runs miles along the rim overlooking the coves on either side. The start time is intentional to get runners to the East side of the course for the sunrise. The course is very runnable. Terrain is typical for the area: roots, rocks, dirt…nothing too crazy. A few nice creeks, small bridges and even a waterfall/swimming hole right off the course. The name: Rim Runner is named after how you will be running along the rim of a cove and also references Tennessee’s history of rum running (aka bootlegging) during the prohibition. If you’re local, you’ll be amazed this trail system is just a few miles from the Perimeter Trail and is this beautiful. We’re very, very excited to draw attention to this area.
Marathon starts on Sunday so that we take up less of the parking area. While not required by the Forest, we don’t want to be jerks to the locals.
Course
The 25 Miler is now a Marathon. The waterfall/bluff section will now be a small loop using the rest of the Tom Pack Trail.
50 miler = 5,200ft, 11 aid stations. Two 20 mile loops, two 2.6 mile loops, 6 miles of gravel.
100 miler = 10,400ft, 23 aid stations. Four 20 mile loops, four 2.6 mile loops, 12 miles of gravel.
The course is very runnable. Really cool rim running for many miles. A stone bridge is on the course! A few nice creeks, small bridges and even a waterfall/swimming hole right off the course.
Cutoffs, Aid, Crew, Pacers, Drop Bags
32 hour cutoff for 100 milers, 16 hours for 50 milers and 8 hr cutoff for marathoners.
Aid stations are plentiful. Normal ultra foods provided.
Huma Gels will be available at all aid stations and Huma will be our electrolyte drink, too. They are a natural, whole-food nutrition company based out of Nashville. I have personally been using their products for years.
Go to their website and enter the code “RimRunner2021” to get a free sample pack of 3 gels.
Crew can access the Start/Finish line and the Sherwood Forest trailhead only! There is barely room for volunteer parking at the other aid stations.
Pacers are allowed for 100 milers starting at mile 50. Pacers, like crew, are only allowed at Sherwood Forest and the Start/Finish. You cannot start or end pacing in the middle of the big loop. Pacers must check in and out with aid stations when entering or leaving the course.
Drop bags will be kept at the Start/Finish area, the South aid station or Champion aid station.
Awards
Marathoners/50 Milers: I’m breaking apart old whiskey barrels, cutting the staves (the walls) into pieces, sanding and finishing them and then branding the race initials into the wood.
100 Milers: I’ve got a welder over in Idaho making your buckles. Two layers of steel with four Xs across the middle to mark each of the four loops you completed. You’ve been distilled four times and are 100% pure ultrarunner! Congratulations!
Podium Finishers: You’ll be getting gold, silver and bronze versions of the staves.
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